Morningside House Named Community Leader

The was selected as the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce’s “Community Leader” last week. The nomination was submitted by the George C. Marshall International Center at Dodona Manor, whom Morningside has closely supported since 2010.

Chamber President & CEO Tony Howard said Thursday that it was a unanimous decision that Morningside House was most deserving of this award. There was a compelling nature of the nomination, he said, which helped articulate the partnership between Morningside and the Dadona Manor.

“Really what we’re seeking to do is recognize companies that are doing more than just the usual,” Howard said. “We’re very happy [with this decision] because it’s a great model for another business that’s looking to do something like this.

"Most companies want to go beyond writing a check. Even the companies that do have the resources to give significant sums really want to do something more than just that," he added. "They want to create some sort of partnership that suits their interest as well as the interest of a nonprofit or charity that they are working with and do something in a very truly meaningful way.”

An assisted living community located in downtown Leesburg, Morningside House has served the local area since 1993. It offers personal care and hospitality tailored to meet the individual needs of each resident.

Executive Director Maureen Clarke said in a press release dated Sept. 9, that Morningside House first began giving back to the community during the decline of the economy, when they noticed many local organizations struggling financially.

Morningside House opted to use money earmarked in the advertising budget, Clarke said, for local community focused organizations.

According to Clarke, Dodona Manor’s work supports continuing the legacy of George C. Marshall and his many contributions to American History. Morningside believes that the work they do every day celebrates the legacy of their own residents’ interests, she said.

Over the past two years, Morningside House has generously contributed to Dodona Manor’s Marshall Immersion Workshop, International Student Exchange Program, Annual Benefit Event and first-ever Annual Easter Egg Hunt in April. Morningside’s mission supports a number of other local nonprofits through their C.A.R.E project – “committed to achieving results every day”.

Clarke added that Morningside highly benefits from serving so many nonprofits because giving back has provided “wonderful volunteers from the community to enrich the lives of [their] residents”.

“Leesburg is a close knit community and we feel that Morningside House is part of the family”, Clarke said. “When the family is in need, we like to be able to help out our neighbors.”